Just two weeks ago, neurosurgeon-turned-conservative-activist Ben Carson insisted Americans are living in a “gestapo age,” adding that he sees contemporary American life as “very much like Nazi Germany.”
What will Carson do for an encore? Parlay the controversy into advising House Republicans on health care policy, accepting an invitation to address the Congressional Health Caucus on April 3.
The health care caucus, led by Texas Rep. Michael Burgess, is a Republican group that routinely gathers to discuss health care policy.“The event will feature a short statement from Dr. Carson, in which he will present his ideas for health care reform,” the invitation states. “Members will then be able to ask questions and discuss their perspectives on the future of health care.”The event, scheduled to take place in the Cannon House Office Building, is a private “member only event,” according to the invite.
After nearly five years of waiting for House Republicans to present a credible alternative to the Affordable Care Act, it’s reasonable to think the GOP’s Congressional Health Caucus could use some guidance on how best to proceed.
But inviting Carson nevertheless might be a mistake.
Indeed, for most folks, Carson’s willingness to compare American life to Nazi rule would be reason to keep him at arm’s length, not invite him to talk with lawmakers about public policy.
For those who’ve forgotten Carson’s rise to Tea Party notoriety, Carson last year equated homosexuality with pedophilia and bestiality. He soon after started comparing the Affordable Care Act to slavery.
Last month, Carson drew a parallel between American liberals and Nazis. While complaining about the IRS, he later argued, “We live in a Gestapo age. People don’t realize it.”
When Carson heard Vladimir Putin condemning the West, Carson said the Russian leader has a point.
That’s quite a speaker the GOP’s Congressional Health Caucus invited.
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Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past."